While it’s comparatively straightforward to ship durable goods like lumber or even liquids stored in a tank, such as petroleum, many perishable goods must also be transported. In some instances, these perishables must be kept to specific temperatures, necessitating the use of cold chain packaging, but there’s more to it than just picking any old cold chain packaging and calling it a day. Here are a few factors you need to plan for if you want to ship perishables successfully.
Shipping Time
Selecting the right kind is often a matter of knowing the specifics of shipping. For example, if you know the perishables being shipped will only be in transit for 48 hours or less, that will often allow you to use less intensive shipping options. It may even be possible not to require the usage of a reefer unit, which can add considerably to shipping expenses if it is needed.
External Temperatures
This is a factor of both location and time. If, for example, you are shipping something locally in winter, this plays a major role in determining what type of cold chain packaging is required to maintain cooler temperatures. On the other hand, if it is summer or you are shipping items to a tropical region, more extensive cold chain packaging precautions must be taken to protect the perishables from exposure to harmful temperature changes.
Physical Characteristics
Another important factor is the size and weight of the shipment itself. Passive pallet protection may be an option for a larger shipment that can fit on a standard cargo pallet. On the other hand, if a shipment is much smaller and fits into a single box, it requires a completely different approach and different choices in cold chain packaging to protect the goods. This has a big impact on choices and thus costs that may be involved in transporting perishables.
Recommended Transit Temperature
A final consideration, and probably one of the most important, is knowing your optimal shipping temperature. This is typically a factor based on what kind of perishables are being shipped. Vaccines, for example, will have a much lower optimal shipping temperature than more delicate consumer electronics. Understanding the needs of specific types of perishables will help you narrow down the options for what kind of cold chain packaging will be best for your shipping needs.
If you’re shipping temperature-sensitive products and want to know what kind of cold chain packaging will safely transport them to their destination, we can help. Contact us to explain your shipping needs and obtain a quote.
